LONDON, England (CNN) -- In August, Formula One was on the brink of welcoming back its most decorated son. With Ferrari's Felipe Massa sidelined by a serious accident, news of Michael Schumacher's imminent return to F1 racing was the talk of the pit lane and beyond.

But the seven-time champion eventually had to call off the comeback because he hadn't recovered sufficiently from a neck injury sustained earlier in the year.

The 40-year-old's return would certainly have added spice to the 2009 season. But perhaps it was better he didn't risk subtracting from his substantial achievements in the sport. Our photo gallery picks out some of Schumacher's highs and the odd low from a glittering career.